January 19, 2009

That's me. More n more I find myself driving, hoovering, washing up, whatever, and singing joyously along to whatever music is playing, or even just the tune playing in my head.

Don't you just love that carefree happy feeling?

That's not to say I'm not dealing with the shit too, of course I am, but once done it's done, and I am learning to let it go and get back to happy pdq. It's tru, life's jus too damm short. We all got no money. (It's the middle of January for chrisakes.) We all hate the weather, the cold, the dark evenings. But hey! Just turn your fav tunes up and boogie along. It really works!

So what's new? Well my Studio Calico kit got delivered. Carefully popped behind a plant pot (with a rather large plant in it) by the postie. Unfortunately it was a couple of days before I found it there after the big rainstorm here on Saturday night. I opened the box with dread: paper and water, no, no.

Guess what, apart from being a bit limp, and the box getting rather soggy, the whole thing was fine! No water marks on the scrummy paper. Nothing!

Really loving these kits and this month's has to be one of the best. Just need to get my arse into scrapping gear now, before I drown in unused supplies.

January 02, 2009

“What we should do is not 'future' ourselves so much. We should 'now' ourselves more. 'Now thyself' is more important than 'Know thyself.' Reason is what tells us to ignore the present and live in the future. So all we do is make plans. We think that somewhere there are going to be greener pastures. It's crazy. Heaven is nothing but a grand, monumental instance of the future. Listen, now is good. Now is wonderful.”

Mel Brooks

My one and only resolution.

This year I will be focused on the now.

Remember to be present in the moment. Stay focused on my family, my work, my friends, my finances. Be available to those that need me. Not distant, distracted or self-absorbed. More clarity and less headless-chicken syndrome. More small, quiet but determined actions and less head-in-the clouds dreaming. Remember to be happy, now.

The year I will be focused on the long term goal.

Remember to let go of the past and not dwell on what went wrong. Focus on moving into the future, correcting the problems, settling up and moving on.

“The journey you wish to take can only begin from where you are right now this very minute.”

January 01, 2009

Sitting down today, the ghost of Christmas past all around, and what do I want to write/record/update here?

A whole bunch of random stuff flying around in my head, so forgive if I jump about and try to keep up!

Firstly, anyone else struggling with the changes at Typepad? I’ve all but given up trying to compose in the editor now, and have resorted to using Word and copying/pasting over. What a pain. Why does everything have to change in the name of improvement?

Having said that, there’s been a whole bunch of technological improvements at chez moi. The girl and I have been Mac’d over the holiday. After months of pleading, drooling in the Apple shop and long yearning looks, I did manage to get the cash together for Father Christmas to drop this off for her.

Of course the most important part is that I get my computer back now! Yes? – Well mostly. Apparently there are more technological issues to be faced now. Mainly to do with MSN and My Space from what I can understand. Oh and of course the Sims can only be played on my machine... Ah well.

Then yesterday as the last few remnants of Christmas Past hung around I nipped out and came back with a Mummy present.

Now I know this may be hard to believe but I have never owned one of these before.

I have bought a few, in various shapes and forms, but always as pressies for the kids. So finally dragging myself into 2009 I’ve spent a (very) small fortune on iTunes and we have music in da house! DJ Sandra unleashed! We already had a docking playing thing but now it’s adorned with my mini pink goodness. Oh how I love you my liddle pink thingmy. And it shows me the album covers, makes up playlists for me and even plays videos! So dam cute.

So what’s next?

Oh yeah – scrapping. As promised I finished this.

Last lo of the year to record my ‘Brave’ 2008.

I have almost decided on my new year’s one little word. Just need to get some quotes and reasons together in some sorta coherent form so I can share.

More on this later.

Meanwhile, today’s the 15th anniversary of my third baby daughter’s arrival in the world. I get to tell the birth story all over again, wrap the presents and we all eat cake, just as soon as she drags herself from bed. Probably sometime this afternoon I should think!? Happy birthday Darling Girl xxx

Okay this is the end of my blathering. You made it! Thanks for stopping by and all good wishes for a Happy 2009.

Jennifer New: Dan Eldon: The Art of LifePhotojournalist, Dan Eldon was killed at the age of 22 in Somalia while covering the famine and civil war. This is the story of a remarkable young man who filled his world with travel, photography, charitable expeditions and hope. (*****)